AT&T to pay $177 million after massive data breaches: Affected customers may receive up to $7,500 each

Millions of current and former AT&T customers could be eligible to receive cash settlements stemming from two major data breaches. The telecom company is on the hook for $177 million to settle class action lawsuits related to the security incidents.

The first occurred in 2019 and compromised the personal information of about 73 million customers, though AT&T did not publicly acknowledge the breach until 2024. The data leaked included names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers.

The second breach was reported in 2024 and affected even more customers (100 million) after attackers hacked into AT&T’s data warehouse. No other privacy failure has surpassed the two combined over the years of the US telecom industry's existence.

Customers can claim their share of the $177 million compensation pot by applying through Kroll Settlement Administration’s website. Depending on whether they were affected by both data breaches, claimants can get up to $7,500 each.

Kroll has started contacting affected customers by email with a “Class Member ID,” which will be used to verify eligibility. However, claimants who have not received a notice can contact the settlement administrator if they feel they qualify for the compensation.

The 2019 incident can net victims who can prove financial harm up to $5,000, while the second breach could be worth up to $2,500.

As expected, the settlement administrator’s website has reported heavy traffic. Claimants have until December 18, 2025, to file their claims.